Implenia and Frutiger Win Contract for Sisikon Tunnel, Key Section of the Neue Axenstraße Project
In late June 2024, the cantons of Schwyz and Uri have awarded the contract for the Sisikon Tunnel – lot 200 of the “Neue Axenstrasse” project – to a joint venture (JV) between Implenia (60%) and Frutiger (40%). Its size and complexity make this lot the key section of the new road running along the eastern shore of Lake Uri/Lake Lucerne. The contract as a whole is worth more than 440 million euros.
4.4 km Long Road Tunnel Is Excavated by Drill and Blast
The contract centres on the single-tube, 4.4 km two-way road tunnel, which the JV will blast through the rock. The JV is also building various other underground structures such as access tunnels, passing places, ventilation hubs and exhaust ducts. With up to seven simultaneous tunnelling points and very tight space conditions, the job presents some unique challenges.
Overview of the “A4 Neue Axenstraße” project including the Sisikon Tunnel (dashed line, right)
Credit/Quelle: axen.ch
In addition to the tunnelling, various external works are being carried out by other Implenia civil engineering units, including the construction of a large gallery to protect against natural hazards. Around 2 million tons of excavated material will be produced by the various construction projects, most of which will be taken away by boat to a large renaturation project on the Reuss Delta in Flüelen. The order is subject to a consultation period lasting until the end of July 2024. Construction of the lot is scheduled to start in mid-2025, and the work should be completed by 2034.
